Senior running back finds stride in the second half on his way to 155 yards rushing and two touchdowns, as Atholton blanks Centennial, 20-0

Patience is a virtue in football and the Atholton displayed it in great measure last night, in its 2007 Howard County season opener against neighborhood rival Centennial.

Before a large and enthusiastic home crowd, the Raiders endured some early offensive struggles as well as some interesting challenges posed by Centennial's unorthodox offense to grind out a 20-0 win.

Speedy senior Kelechi Odocha was the key.  Growing stronger and more effective as the contest progressed, Odocha eventually powered his way to 155 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard scoring burst, midway through the fourth quarter, to seal the deal.

"We said we were going to out-hustle them in the second half.  We were going to keep grinding and the offensive line came together," said Odocha, who was limited to just five yards on three carries in the first quarter.  "The first game is always a little shaky, but we got it together.  We know have to take it one game at a time."

Both of Odocha's touchdowns came in the second half, as the Raiders built on a 7-0 halftime advantage.

Atholoton enjoyed its best drive on the opening possession of the third quarter, as it marched 62 yards on six consecutive running plays, capped by a five yard touchdown run by Odocha.  Odocha opened the drive with runs of 14 and nine yards, but was temporarily forced out of the game by a turned ankle.  Reserve Deverrick Holmes, however, thrilled the crowd with a shifty 24 yard run, on his only carry of the night, and the Raiders marched onward.

That drive was in sharp contrast to the first half, where both teams struggled offensively -- combining for just 106 total yards.

Centennial, which runs a hybrid of the double wing, utilizing lots of direct snaps and misdirection, was actually able to push the Atholton defense off the line of scrimmage.  The Eagles, however, never made any real progress because they were never able to complete a drive without mishandling the football.

Although it did not turn the ball over on the ground, Centennial experienced at least one drive killing fumble for loss in three of its first four possessions.

"Their offensive line pushed us back and forth a little, but we didn't break. Our linebackers and backs played very well and did a nice job of locating the ball and making stops." said Atholton head coach Chuck Fales.  "It is a very difficult offense to prepare for.  It's not something you are used to seeing and the plays take a long time to develop.  It was a big challenge for our scout team to execute in practice."

One of the key contributors to the Raider defensive effort last night was senior defensive back Aaron Thompson.  With Centennial throwing just a precious few passes, the Raiders were loading the box and Thompson was able to come up inside and make several plays.  Weighing only 170, he even put his hand in the dirt and lined up at nose tackle on a few snaps.

Thompson also made a major contribution on offense, scoring the game's first touchdown on a five yard pass from senior quarterback Doug Carpenter in the second quarter.

Atholton had gained possession on the Centennial 11, after Eagle punter Amir Sadeghi was unable to get a handle on a low snap, opening the door for the Raiders' Geoffrey Easterling to dive onto the loose ball.  Two plays later, Thompson ran an out to the front right corner of the end zone before making an excellent leaping catch of a high throw.

Centennial actually had two good scoring chances in the first half.  The first came when a line drive punt from Sadeghi caromed off the hands of Atholton returner Matt Robinson and the Eagles recovered to take possession in Raider territory.  Atholton stiffened, however, and forced the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs at the Atholton 35.  Then, on its next possession, Centennial surprised Atholton on a second and two play, sending junior Conor Moe streaking up the middle of the field.  Moe gained a step on the Atholton defense, but the throw from quarterback Greg Edmonds was a stride too long.

Atholton 20, Centennial 0
CEN - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0
ATH - 0 - 7 - 7 - 6 - 20

2nd
ATH-Thompson 5 pass from Carpenter (Rappaport kick)

3rd
ATH-Odocha 5 run (Rappaport kick)

4th
ATH-Odocha 62 run (kick failed)